Professor F. Frank Chen named Society of Manufacturing Engineers fellow
(Oct. 19, 2011) -- The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), the world's premier organization for manufacturing knowledge, education and networking, has elected UTSA mechanical engineering professor F. Frank Chen to its prestigious College of Fellows. Chen was one of 10 engineers honored by the organization this year, bringing the total number of SME fellows to 268 since the organization introduced the designation in 1986.
"Professor Chen is an innovator," said Mauli Agrawal, dean of the UTSA College of Engineering. "Where others see challenge, Dr. Chen sees opportunity. His technical knowledge and his ability to inspire others have forged a successful bridge between UTSA and the manufacturing community. He is to be commended for his accomplishments."
The UTSA Lutcher Brown Distinguished Chair of Advanced Manufacturing, Chen has enjoyed professional success in academia and industry. His research interests include lean manufacturing and operations, design and analysis of flexible manufacturing systems, intelligent manufacturing, microelectronics and defense manufacturing, and enterprise integration and transformation. He is the author of nearly 200 publications and has served as a faculty adviser for more than 70 graduate students.
In 2007, Chen was the founding director of the UTSA Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems, a consortium of UTSA engineers and management scientists who encourage the adoption of lean, sustainable and flexible practices in manufacturing.
Before joining UTSA in 2006, Chen was the John L. Lawrence Professor of Manufacturing Systems Engineering in Virginia Tech's Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, where he established the Center for High Performance Manufacturing, a research center focused on flexible automation and lean manufacturing.
Over his career, his research has been supported by more than $13 million in funding from federal agencies, the military and private industries. Before his full-time academic career, Chen was employed in 1991 by Caterpillar Technical Center Manufacturing R&D Divisions where he served in several roles. While a senior engineer and project manager at Caterpillar, he led a research and technical services group that specialized in the design and control of manufacturing systems.
Chen earned his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in industrial engineering from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1988 and 1985, respectively, and his B.E. in industrial engineering from Tunghau University in Taiwan in 1980.
"Frank has made outstanding contributions to the field of manufacturing by effectively bringing together the complementary aspects of industry and academia and bridging the gap," said Can Saygin, UTSA associate professor of mechanical engineering and a CAMLS member. "I have been fortunate to have known him for over 14 years as a mentor and as a friend."
The SME College of Fellows was created to honor members with 20 or more years of service in manufacturing engineering who have made outstanding contributions to the social, technological and educational aspects of the profession. Chen has been an SME member since 1983.
Events
At this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusJoin us for a tribute to Willie Velásquez, honoring the legacy of Willie Velásquez, a pivotal figure in shaping the history of Latino and Hispanic participation in the American voting process. Delve into his life and contributions as a champion of Latino voting rights. Moderated by UTSA's Teresa Niño, the event will feature influential voices, including Jane Velásquez, María Antonietta Berriozábal, Dora Oliva, and Anthony Gonzales.
Buena Vista Building, Buena Vista Theater, Downtown CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.